Volunteer fire departments across George County are waiting to learn how much money they will receive from September’s George County Firefighters Rodeo, an event that has helped departments buy equipment and connect with the communities they serve.
Organizers are still calculating proceeds from the Sept. 18-19 rodeo at the George County Fairgrounds in Lucedale.
The firefighters host rodeos twice a year. Event coordinator Debbie Gilbert said money raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, parking and concessions goes to participating fire departments.
“Each year, we will collect anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000 that go among these fire departments to help put equipment on the fire trucks,” Gilbert said.
Double Creek Rodeo Company handles the professional competition, while local firefighters organize and work throughout the event.
George County Fire Coordinator Eric Howard said departments have used proceeds to buy equipment and make upgrades. His former department, Twin Creek Fire Department, used rodeo money for battery-powered rescue tools, scene lights, saws, chainsaws and upgraded lighting on fire trucks.
“We’ve been able to take the funds from this rodeo over the past five years and really do a lot in our fire department and put it towards our trucks and our equipment to help move us forward,” Howard said.
Lucedale Fire Chief Ricky Colson said his department would like to buy handheld flashlights for firefighters to use inside structures or while directing traffic. Reflective vests are another need, particularly when firefighters respond to wrecks.
The rodeo also gives residents a chance to meet their volunteer firefighters outside of an emergency.
Organizers estimated 1,500 to 2,500 people attended the rodeo over its two nights.
“We don’t have a lot to do in George County. It’s a small community,” Gilbert said. “It gives them something to do. It’s a family event. The whole family can go and enjoy themselves.”
Firefighters work throughout the event, giving residents a chance to become familiar with the people who may eventually respond when they need help.
“It definitely helps bring the community together to learn faces, learn names of who their volunteer firefighters are, and no matter what community they’re in or from,” Howard said.
Howard said that familiarity can also help during an emergency.
“It’s someone that they know and recognize,” he said. “It just kind of helps calm or relax them at that point in time when it’s their worst time in their life.”
The next George County Firefighters Rodeo is planned for March.
